IMDb RATING
7.8/10
3.1K
YOUR RATING
The American Samoa soccer team, deemed "worst in the world", try to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.The American Samoa soccer team, deemed "worst in the world", try to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.The American Samoa soccer team, deemed "worst in the world", try to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 3 nominations
Li'atama Amisone Jr.
- Self - Team Captain
- (as 'Jr' Amisone)
Ace Lalogafuafua
- Self - Head Coach
- (as 'Ace' Lalogafuafua)
Pati Sinapati
- Self - Midfielder
- (as 'Pati' Sinapati)
Pita Sinapati
- Self - Defender
- (as 'Pita' Sinapati)
Storyline
Did you know
- Quotes
Thomas Rongen: [to his team after a rousing war cry] Well done, well done, well done. I just shit myself in my pants, seriously.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Next Goal Wins (2023)
- SoundtracksFuture Tiger
Performed by Susumu Yokota
Published by Hub 100 Publishing
Licensed courtesy of Lo Recordings
By arrangement with Woodwork Music
Featured review
Hoping for a turnaround
In 2001 American Samoa lost 31–0 to Australia. It was the worst defeat in international football. Things have not been much better for the American Samoa team since then. To qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup potential salvation comes in the unlikely form of Thomas Rongen, an American based Dutch soccer coach.
He commits for one month to give the team a fighting chance. During this brief period he focus on achievable tactics, fitness, a better defence as well as organising training sessions around the part time footballers. He also finds a couple of non island recruits who are of American Samoan heritage. Their form has been so bad that scoring a goal would be a bit of an achievement. It turns out that Rongen also has a personal tragedy to overcome.
The film also focuses on Jaiyah (Johnny) Saelua, a member of the team since 2003 but is the first trans-gender player to compete in a men's FIFA World Cup qualifier and is wholly accepted by the team. Samoan culture has a different attitude to trans-gender than in the west. We also see the unfortunate goalkeeper who let in all the goals against Australia.
Its a classic underdog and uplifting story but done in a minor key. Its nice to see football at the other end of the spectrum without overpaid prima donnas but for me the documentary was too formulaic and manipulative.
He commits for one month to give the team a fighting chance. During this brief period he focus on achievable tactics, fitness, a better defence as well as organising training sessions around the part time footballers. He also finds a couple of non island recruits who are of American Samoan heritage. Their form has been so bad that scoring a goal would be a bit of an achievement. It turns out that Rongen also has a personal tragedy to overcome.
The film also focuses on Jaiyah (Johnny) Saelua, a member of the team since 2003 but is the first trans-gender player to compete in a men's FIFA World Cup qualifier and is wholly accepted by the team. Samoan culture has a different attitude to trans-gender than in the west. We also see the unfortunate goalkeeper who let in all the goals against Australia.
Its a classic underdog and uplifting story but done in a minor key. Its nice to see football at the other end of the spectrum without overpaid prima donnas but for me the documentary was too formulaic and manipulative.
helpful•623
- Prismark10
- Mar 27, 2015
- How long is Next Goal Wins?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Atan Galip
- Filming locations
- American Samoa(location)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $43,089
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $2,568
- Apr 27, 2014
- Gross worldwide
- $43,089
- Runtime1 hour 37 minutes
- Color
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